Anand Prabhu, Arun Prasad Rao, Venugopal Reddy, Ramalingam Krishnakumar, Shanmugam Thayumanavan, Silla Swarna Swathi
Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, Rajah Muthiah Dental College and Hospital, Annamalai University, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, India

DOI: 10.4103/0976-9668.136171

ABSTRACT

Aims and Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the knowledge of dentists regarding human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS). Materials and Methods: A structured questionnaire to evaluate the knowledge, fears, and attitudes was self administered to 102 dentists. The data was then evaluated using Chi-square test and a P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results and Conclusion: The findings of the present study suggest that dentists in private practice and affiliated with teaching institutions, had better knowledge than their counterparts who were into private practice alone. It was concluded that despite good knowledge many of the dentists expressed some hesitation in treating patients with HIV/AIDS.

Keywords: Cross infection, human immunodeficiency virus, oral health knowledge, oral mucosal lesions